i-

Instrumental and Benefactive Focus

Level 3

The i- prefix is a versatile focus marker. It is most commonly used for conveyance (moving something away from the actor), benefactive (doing something for someone), and instrumental (using a tool) actions.

How It Works

The i- prefix (often called the Conveyance or Instrumental Focus) has three primary functions:

  • Conveyance: Used for objects that are moved, given, or sold. While -on is for things affected or changed (like eating an apple), i- is for things transferred (like giving a book).
  • Benefactive: Used when an action is performed for someone else. The person benefiting becomes the ang topic.
  • Instrumental: Used when focusing on the tool or means used to perform an action. In casual speech, this often expands to ipang-.

Aspectual Forms:

  • Not Started (Future/Command): i- (e.g., ihatag - will give).
  • Started (Past/Completed): gi- (e.g., gihatag - gave). Note that the i- is dropped in the started aspect, making it look identical to the gi- patient focus, though the underlying logic remains conveyance/instrumental.

The actor (the one doing the action) is always in the genitive case (nako, nimo, niya, etc.).

Examples (5)

  1. Ihatag nako ang libro kanimo.

    I will give the book to you.

    Word by Word: Will-give by-me the book to-you.

    Here, 'i-' focuses on the book (ang libro) because it is being conveyed/given.

  2. Ipalit ko siya og tubig.

    I will buy water for him/her.

    Word by Word: Will-buy by-me he/she (focus) [indefinite] water.

    This is the benefactive use. 'Siya' is the focus because the action is done for them.

  3. Isulat kining lapisa sa imong ngalan.

    Use this pencil to write your name.

    Word by Word: Will-use-to-write this-link pencil [oblique] your name.

    This is the instrumental use. The pencil is the tool being focused on.

  4. Gihatag na niya ang kwarta.

    He/She already gave the money.

    Word by Word: Gave already by-him/her the money.

    In the started aspect (past), 'i-' changes to 'gi-'. The money remains the focus.

  5. Ibaligya nako ang akong karaan nga kotse.

    I will sell my old car.

    Word by Word: Will-sell by-me the my old link car.

    Selling involves conveyance (moving the object to a new owner), so 'i-' is used.

Common Mistakes

  • Using -on instead of i- for things being moved.

    Hatagon nako ang libro.
    Ihatag nako ang libro.

    '-on' is often used for things that are used up or changed. For something simply handed over, 'i-' is the usual focus, so 'Ihatag nako ang libro' is the form to learn.

  • Keeping the 'i-' prefix in the started (past) aspect.

    Gi-ihatag nako ang suwat.
    Gihatag nako ang suwat.

    When moving to the started aspect, the 'i-' prefix is replaced entirely by 'gi-'. Do not combine them.

How It Connects

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i-Level 3Instrumental and Benefactive Focus

Learn This First

To understand the i- instrumental focus, you first need a solid grasp of the Cebuano focus system, specifically how the 'ang' phrase marks the focused participant. You must also be comfortable using genitive pronouns (like nako, nimo) to identify the actor, as this is the standard structure for all non-actor focus verbs.

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Words in This Pattern

i-